Cape Town, South Africa

by R Long
May 12, 2018

Cape Town, South Africa is the second-most populous urban area in South Africa. It is the oldest urban area on the continent. Full of the history of apartheid and the denigration of the common man, it presents a lesson we should never forget!

Cape Town as an entry point and refining nexus for South Africa and the Southern African region. Located on the southern tip of South Africa, Cape Town is 125,557 kilometers or 7,800 miles from New York City. Therefore, the best way to get there is to fly.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa

There is definitely more to South Africa than jungles and safaris. Cape Town offers adventure with a touch of sophistication. It is home to rolling vineyards, gastronomic cuisine, metamorphic history, and a vibrant cultural mix. Cape Town is the epitome of resilience after abolishing its former policy of segregating both economically and politically a portion of its population.

One point of interest is the late great Nelson Mandela’s jail cell situated on Robben Island. A city street map would come in handy while you’re navigating through the city as you might find the street signs a little confusing. Cape Town’s weather may seem erratic every day in different places. You might find one area warm and sunny while raining in another part of the city.

Places to go:

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  • Table Mountain – The best way to relish the view of the place is to catch a cable car up to its summit and back down. If you’re the “extreme adventure” kind of person, you can rappel back down. You can descend a rope 112 meters down to the base of the mountain. Or if you’re willing to invest more time, reach the summit by hiking. There are several different beautiful trails to choose from.
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  • False Bay – This is the go-to place if you fancy a secluded and small retreat.  By driving towards the direction of Cape Point, you will discover a fantastic view. Drive to other stunning beaches like Smitswinkel Bay, Clifton Beach, Beta Beach, Tietiesbaai, and Oudekraal.
cape-town-vineyard
  • Cape Winelands – An hour’s drive from Cape Town, Cape Winelands is like a world of its own. Enjoy a scenic view of rolling vineyards and lofty mountains. Stroll along the different premier wine estates that offer wine tasting. Regions worth visiting are Constantia Valley, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek. They are home to the very best vineyards across the country.
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  • Robben Island – Visiting this place gives an inspiring take on Africa’s history. It is engulfed by sea lions but the islands were also used as prisons by the government. Visit the prison cell of freedom fighter and leader Nelson Mandela who was locked up for almost 20 years. Guiding you during the tour are former prisoners who will share their pieces of the story.
  • District Six Museum – This museum is worth visiting. It uncovers memories of the time when District Six of Cape Town was declared a “white-only” area. Over 60,000 people were forcibly removed to the desolate Cape Flats as their homes were bulldozed.

Read more at GuideForSeniors.com for all things senior.

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